Production is set to begin in Johannesburg this month on TerryGeorge's true-life rescue story Hotel Rwanda, which stars Don Cheadle, Nick Nolte andSophie Okonedo.

United Artists has North American distribution rights for thedrama and Lions Gate Films International will handle internationaldistribution.

Based on a script by George and Keir Pearson and produced by AKitman Ho, Hotel Rwandais set during the 1994 genocide of Tutsi tribe members by the rival Hutumilitia and recounts how Hutu hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina offered refuge tomore than one thousand Tutsis.

"We are extremely proud to support Terry George in bringing thisincredible story to audiences around the world," executive vice president ofUnited Artists Danny Rosett said in a statement.

"It is a very emotional and gripping tale that offers us all animportant message about individual responsibility in the face of human tragedy."

"This is the story of an ordinary man's humanity, his love for hiswife and family and the courage they gave him to organise one of the mostremarkable rescues in modern times," George added.

"PaulRusesabagina is an African hero and I consider it an honour to bring his storyto the screen."